Academics: Inter-disciplinary studies required on minorities

Academics have underlined the need for interdisciplinary studies on issues facing minorities in India. They observed that the binary model used so far has failed in bringing about necessary changes, whereby minorities are mostly understood politically and less academically.

The academics were participating in an online panel discussion organised by the Research Committee on Minority Studies of

Indian Sociological Society, New Delhi, with Democracy Dialogue, Hyderabad, and the Maulana Azad National Urdu University

Prof. Najma Akhtar spoke on “Role and Responsibility of Minority Institutions”, whereas

Prof. Fatima Begum discussed the topic “Linguistic Institutions in India – a case of National Urdu University”. Prof. Paramjit Singh, President, Indian Sociological Society (ISS), New Delhi, and Prof. Jagan Karade, Secretary, ISS, spoke on “Sociology of Minorities in India” and “Minorities in India: Myth and Reality” respectively.

They said democracy upholds the rule of law and judicial review. But the political metaphor based on demographic fear has remained an end in itself. The question remains whether ethnic, racial and sexual minorities are to be addressed methodologically or theoretically in the policymaking processes.

The sessions were moderated by Dr K.M. Ziyauddin, convener, Research Committee (RC-26), Minority Studies, ISS, and Dr Imtiaz Ahmed Ansari, Co-Convener, ISS.

Laeeq Ahmed Aqil, founder member of Democracy Dialogue and member of the organising committee, proposed a vote of thanks.

PROFESSORS SAY democracy upholds the rule of law and judicial review. But the political metaphor based on demographic fear has remained an end in itself.